I've had the pleasure of covering a couple Texans games this season. To say this is a first class organization would be an understatement. They truly do a lot to make fans, players' families, guests, and media members feel comfortable. Not only comfortable, but welcomed. I've covered Texans games on and off for years, since 2014 or so. Something was definitely different about this year, in a good way. As a person with customer service in his background, I take those kinds of things to heart.

When they played the Bucs, it was a crazy game with a crazy ending. They were down 17-7 early in the second quarter. Things weren't looking good. From that point forward, they outscored the Bucs 32 to 20 and pulled out a win with the game securing touchdown coming on a C.J. Stroud to Tank Dell connection with six seconds left. The crowd erupted with the elation of a kid who just got a PS5 for Christmas. Did I mention they did it with backup running back Dare Ogunbowale filling in as the kicker?

The Browns game was different. They were without Stroud, Will Anderson Jr, Tank Dell, and a host of others. The AFC South crown, as well as a Wildcard berth, were both still in play. They lost 36-22, and it wasn't even that close. Joe Flacco violated the Texans secondary to the tune of 368 yards and three touchdowns. Amari Cooper was responsible for 265 of those yards and two touchdowns. People started leaving in droves when it was 28-7. They weren't happy, and rightfully so.

The one consistent theme I've noticed: the staff, Texans and otherwise, are all very nice people. Everyone is helpful. They greet you when they see you. One lady after the Browns game was over made me take extra snacks home to the kids! Another guy at the Bucs game told me to try a dessert and teased me when it was gone! Before, during, and after the games, they were a pleasure to be around.

Previously, this wasn't the case. It wasn't like anyone was mean and nasty, but they weren't as engaging. Okay. So there may have been a couple meanies. One or two in particular. I digress. The vibe was different back then from what it is now. One clear example: I looked confused trying to find something this season. Someone saw my expression and asked if they could help. Previously, I would have to ask for help. It's the little things.

My biggest takeaway from all this: there's hope. There was hope before. The team had won division titles and playoff games. They had one of the best defensive players in history, a top flight wide receiver, and a running back that produced. But was it sustained? No. Promising teams ended up nowhere and a ton of potential was wasted. When the team thought they were on the rise again, it all came crashing down. They thought they found a franchise quarterback, but he turned out to be a weirdo diva.

What this organization has now is talent. Whether it's on the field, on the sidelines, in the suite, outside, in the press box, the coaches box, literally everywhere. They're winning this season ahead of schedule. Nobody saw them in playoff contention this year unless you see things in Deep Steel Blue and Battle Red. They have really good, young people in key positions. Having hope for winning is one thing. Having hope that the success is sustainable is different.

I don't care how much flack I get for this, but I believe this team will be a contender for the next 10 years. I'm not trying to jinx them if you believe in that sort of thing. I'm simply offering an opinion and calling it like I see it. When talented people are put in positions to succeed and are supported properly, they'll produce great results. This is evident everywhere I look on Kirby. The hype train is real. If you don't get on now, you'll be left behind.